Mobile fishing rod transportation and storage system

ABSTRACT

A mobile fishing rod transportation and storage system includes at least two longitudinal rods, at least two horizontal rods, four corner sub-assemblies connecting the at least two longitudinal rods to the at least two horizontal rods to form a frame, the at least two longitudinal rods being longitudinally and rotationally fixed and the at least two horizontal rods being horizontally fixed and rotationally free, at least one rod holder rotationally fixed to one of the at least two horizontal rods between the at least two longitudinal rods to rotationally pivot with the one horizontal rod, and a set of wheels connected to the frame to permit the frame to roll upon a surface of the environment.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field of mobilecarts. The present disclosure relates to a mobile transportation andstorage system for fishing rods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing rods are long and, in terms of movement and storage, are bulky.Rods are typically not stored on boats and, therefore, need to be movedat least from a secure location on the ground to the boat on which theyare to be used. For typical fishing trips, many rods and different rodsare needed, leading to the multiplied problem of how to move so manyrods from one place to another without damaging the expensive and,sometimes, fragile parts. The safest way to transport a large number ofrods is by hand, typically with the person carrying no more than one rodin each hand. Because of the length of even the shortest fishing rod,such movement is perilous, as accidental snagging and hitting of theenvironment can often break a rod, even if it is made of carbon fiber.Sometimes anglers transport rods in a bundle. For example, four to eightrods are placed, handle-first, into a standard five-gallon bucket, andthe angler carries the bucket from a garage, where the rods are stored,to a boat or trailer. However, such grouping invariably tangles thelines, hooks and snags the rod's eyelets, and interweaves the rods in amanner that often causes injury. Even the smallest injury is expensivedue to the high cost of common rods and reels.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems,designs, and processes as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a mobile fishingrod transportation and storage system that overcomes thehereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices andmethods of this general type and that provide such features with anability to carry and store at least eight fully rigged fishing rods in acompact configuration that is safe on the rods to move about on theground.

The mobile fishing rod transportation and storage system, also referredto as the “X-Rack,” is a revolutionary system that enables one person tocarry up to sixteen or even more salt or fresh water fishing rods at onetime. The system is sized to accommodate seven-foot rods but can carrysalt or fresh water rods of various heights depending on their use. Thesystem enables a person to transport fishing rods between the fishinglocation (boat, dock, pier, etc.) and their personal vehicle or storagefacility with ease and in one step. The rack can be pushed or pulled,steered into elevators, escalators, garages, or hotel rooms with littleeffort while carrying up to 16 fishing rods at one time. Multipleconfigurations allow the system to be used while transporting many rodssimultaneously and sized to clear any garage, hotel room, or elevatordoor. Each rod mount is pivotably adjustable and can be configured tooffset opposing rods laterally, thereby allowing the rods to overlapeach other in a crossed or X-configuration or to tilt all of the rods inone direction or another. The pivoting and nesting allows the rods to belowered in increments sufficiently far to place the highest point of thestowed rods at a height below the average height of a standard dooropening. The width of the system is sized to allow entrance into allstandard doorframes without the need to remove any rods from the system.In one exemplary embodiment, the overall system measures 55″ L×27″ W(approximately 140 cm×69 cm).

In one exemplary configuration, the system is mounted on 6×1¼″maintenance free swivel caster wheels with brakes, which result in anoverall mounted height of 7½″. Each wheel is resistant to chemicals andcomes with a sealed precision bearing race, ball bearings and fullthread guards. Each wheel also has total or directional lock capabilityand can be swiveled allowing the system to be steered easily. The wheelscan be locked at 90 degrees or can be released to swivel as necessaryduring use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, amobile fishing rod transportation and storage system comprising at leasttwo longitudinal rods, at least two horizontal rods, four cornersub-assemblies connecting the at least two longitudinal rods to the atleast two horizontal rods to form a frame, the at least two longitudinalrods being longitudinally and rotationally fixed and the at least twohorizontal rods being horizontally fixed and rotationally free, at leastone rod holder rotationally fixed to one of the at least two horizontalrods between the at least two longitudinal rods to rotationally pivotwith the one horizontal rod, and a set of wheels connected to the frameto permit the frame to roll upon a surface of the environment.

In accordance with another feature, the at least two horizontal rodscomprise two end horizontal rods and one central horizontal rod, thecentral horizontal rod having a given exterior shape, and there areprovided two T-brackets each connected respectively to one of the atleast two longitudinal rods and each having a hollow internal legconnected to an end of the central horizontal rod to longitudinally fixthe central horizontal rod to the at least two longitudinal rods, theinternal leg having an interior shape corresponding to the givenexterior shape to rotationally fix the one central horizontal rod wheninserted therein.

In accordance with a further feature, the at least two horizontal rodscomprise two end horizontal rods and two central horizontal rods, thetwo central horizontal rods having a given exterior shape, and there areprovided four T-brackets each connected respectively to one of the atleast two longitudinal rods and each having a hollow internal legconnected to an end of one of the central horizontal rods tolongitudinally fix the respective central horizontal rod to the at leasttwo longitudinal rods, the internal leg having an interior shapecorresponding to the given exterior shape to rotationally fix arespective one of the central horizontal rods when inserted therein, thetwo central horizontal rods and the at least two longitudinal rodsdefining therebetween a central opening, and a storage bin shaped to fitin the central opening and be carried by the frame.

In accordance with an added feature, at least one of the four cornersub-assemblies is a handle sub-assembly comprising a corner bracketconnected to one of the at least two longitudinal rods and one of the atleast two horizontal rods.

In accordance with an additional feature, the handle sub-assemblycomprises a handle that is pivotally connected to the corner bracket toraise and lower the handle about a pivot axis with respect to the frame.

In accordance with yet another feature, the at least two longitudinalrods has an outer surface with a given shape, the at least twohorizontal rods has an outer surface with the given shape, and thecorner bracket comprises a first recess having an interior shapecorresponding to the given shape to longitudinally and rotationally fixone end of one longitudinal rod therein and a second recess having asmooth interior longitudinally fixing and rotationally freely connectingone end of one horizontal rod therein.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the given shape is a toothedspindle.

In accordance with yet an added feature, the handle sub-assemblycomprises a handle configured to telescope to elongate from a shortenedstate to a lengthened state, a handle rotation lock assembly having alock that selectively locks and unlocks rotation of the handle about thepivot axis, and a rod-holder lock assembly having a lock thatselectively locks and unlocks rotation of the one horizontal rod withrespect to the corner bracket.

In accordance with yet an additional feature, the at least twolongitudinal rods and the at least two horizontal rods have across-section with a given outer shape.

In accordance with again another feature, the given outer shape is oneof a circle, a gear, an oval, an ellipse, a stadium, a quatrefoil, atrefoil, a cinquefoil, a nephroid, a kidney, and an egg.

In accordance with again a further feature, the given outer shape is oneof a polygon, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon,an octagon, a nonagon, and a decagon.

In accordance with again an added feature, the at least one rod holderis at least one dual-rod holder.

In accordance with again an additional feature, the at least one rodholder is at least one dual-rod holder on each of the two horizontalrods between the at least two longitudinal rods to rotationally pivotwith a respective one of the at least two horizontal rods.

In accordance with still another feature, the at least one rod holder isa set of dual-rod holders on one of the at least two horizontal rodsbetween the at least two longitudinal rods, the set of dual-rod holdersrotationally pivoting together the one horizontal rod.

In accordance with still a further feature, the at least one rod holderis a set of dual-rod holders on each of the at least two horizontal rodsbetween the at least two longitudinal rods, each set of dual-rod holdersrotationally pivoting together on a respective one of the at least twohorizontal rods.

In accordance with still an added feature, the set of dual-rod holdersis a set of four dual-rod holders.

In accordance with a concomitant feature, the at least two longitudinalrods are two longitudinal rods and the set of wheels is a set of fourcasters, two of the casters being connected to a first of the twolongitudinal rods, and two of the casters being connected to a second ofthe two longitudinal rods.

Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated anddescribed herein as embodied in a mobile transportation and storagesystem for fishing rods, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limitedto the details shown because various modifications and structuralchanges may be made therein without departing from the spirit of theinvention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not bedescribed in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevantdetails of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems,apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed descriptionthat follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may belearned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of theinstrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out inthe claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems,apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. Asrequired, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methodsare disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems,apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, itis believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, which are not true to scale, and which, together with thedetailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of thespecification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and toexplain various principles and advantages all in accordance with thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, whichdescription should be considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobilefishing rod transportation and storage system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective view of a portion of aframe rod of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a dual-rod holder of thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a exploded, perspective view of a handle sub-assembly of thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a rod-holder lock assembly anda handle mount of the handle sub-assembly of FIG. 6 with the handlemount in a handle-closed position and with various parts of the handlerotation lock assembly removed;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the rod-holder lock assemblyand handle mount of FIG. 7 with a handle lock spring shown;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the rod-holder lock assemblyand handle mount of FIG. 7 with a handle lock ring and the handle lockspring shown;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the rod-holder lock assemblyand handle mount of FIG. 7 with a mount fastener and a handle lock knobshown;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a right side of the handle mount ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a bottom side of the handle mount ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a left side of the handle mount ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a central, cross-sectional view of the rod-holder lockassembly of FIG. 6 in an unlocked-and-loaded position;

FIG. 15 is central, cross-sectional view of the rod-holder lock assemblyof FIG. 6 in a locked position;

FIG. 16 is central, cross-sectional view of the rod-holder lock assemblyof FIG. 6 in an intermediate position;

FIG. 17 is an offset-from-center, cross-sectional view of the rod-holderlock assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rod-holder lock assembly of FIG.15;

FIG. 19 is a hidden-line, perspective view of the rod-holder lockassembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rod-holder lock assembly of FIG.15;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the rod-holder lock assembly of FIG.14;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of amobile fishing rod transportation and storage system with handles raisedand with dual-rod holders in different orientations.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 22 in a storageposition lying on a longitudinal side thereof;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 22 in a storageposition lying on an end thereof;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary perspective view of the system of FIG. 22partially within a standard door frame;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the system of FIG. 22 with dual-rod holderstilted towards one another;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the system of FIG. 22 with dual-rod holderstilted vertically upwards;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the system of FIG. 22 with dual-rod holderstilted parallel to one another in one direction;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of amobile fishing rod transportation and storage system with dual-rodholders tilted towards one another;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a further exemplaryembodiment of a dual-rod holder installed on a connector rod;

FIG. 32 is an exploded, perspective view of the dual-rod holder of FIG.31 viewed from below with body half connection parts removed;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a top body half of the dual-rod holderof FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a transparent, perspective view of the top body half of thedual-rod holder of FIG. 31 with the body half connection parts;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a bottom body half of the dual-rodholder of FIG. 31;

FIG. 36 is a transparent, perspective view of the bottom body half ofthe dual-rod holder of FIG. 31 with the body half connection parts;

FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the bottom body half of the dual-rodholder of FIG. 31; and

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the top body half of the dual-rod holderof FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that thedisclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses,and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it isbelieved that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will notbe described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure therelevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed anddescribed, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or anyother variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion,such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a listof elements does not include only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” doesnot, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a”or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term“plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. Theterm “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” whichmay each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, maybe used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended assynonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalor electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two ormore elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g.,directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or inthe form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means(A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating aparticular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended toand is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which issimilar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables arepresent in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as includingonly one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination ofany of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase inthe form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B),(A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. Thedescription may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down,back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions aremerely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended torestrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operationsmay be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a mannerthat may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order ofdescription should not be construed to imply that these operations areorder dependent.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, theterms “substantial” and “substantially” means that, when comparingvarious parts to one another, the parts being compared are equal to orare so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art wouldconsider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, arenot limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range ofvalues for those parts being compared. The range of values, both aboveand below (e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes avariance that one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonabletolerance for the parts mentioned.

Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods aredescribed. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar.Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similarfeatures may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood,however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to thelater described similar feature and each respective description,therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures ofthe drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, there isshown a first exemplary embodiment of a mobile fishing rodtransportation and storage system 100. The system 100 in FIG. 1 is shownfully assembled and FIG. 2 shows the system 100 in an explodedconfiguration where most of the parts are separated from one another.The system 100 is comprised of various sub-assemblies including a framesub-assembly, a rod-holder sub-assembly, and handle sub-assemblies.

An exemplary embodiment of the frame 120 of the system 100 comprises aset of modular connector rods 122, 124 and a modular set ofinterconnecting brackets 126, 128. Longitudinal rods 122 (e.g., two innumber) extend along the longitudinal length of the system 100 andhorizontal rods 124 (e.g., four in number) extend between thelongitudinal rods 122. In an exemplary configuration, the exterior shapeof the rods 122, 124 is in the form of a toothed spindle as shown in theenlarged view of FIG. 4. To decrease weight, interior sections areremoved as shown. The toothed spindle or gear shape is only oneexemplary embodiment for the exterior shape or cross-section of therods. The rods can have an exterior shape or cross-section that is acircle, an oval, an ellipse, a stadium, a quatrefoil, a trefoil, acinquefoil, a nephroid, a kidney, or an egg. The rods do not have toinclude curves, they can also have a polygonal shape, such as atriangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, anonagon, and a decagon.

In an exemplary configuration, intermediate T-brackets 126 are hollowand have an interior circumference shaped to fit about the outsidecircumference of the connector rods 122, 124. In such a configuration,the T-brackets 126 can slide upon the two opposing connector rods 122 tointermediate positions and, when having an interior shape keyed on theteeth of the rods 122, the T-brackets 126 can orient the internal leg ofthe T towards the other opposing internal leg of the T-bracket 126 to,thereby, receive therein respective ends of one horizontal rod 124. Withone intermediate horizontal rod 124, the frame 120 is H-shaped (which isnot illustrated). With two intermediate horizontal rods 124 (and twosets of T-bracket pairs), the frame 120 takes on the shape shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, referred to herein as a double H-shape. When the frame120 is so configured, respective sets of setscrews 190 can lock each ofthe T-brackets 126 onto the two longitudinal and two horizontal rods122, 124 to fix the double H-shape.

The double H-shape configuration defines a rectangular or squareinterior in which can be disposed a storage bin 130. For positivelocking of the storage bin 130 on the rods 122, 124, in an exemplaryembodiment, wings 132 can extend from at least a portion of the sides ofthe storage bin 130. The wings 132 can be curved to extend around aportion of the circumference of the rods 122, 124. Additionally, ifdesired, the underside of the wings 132 can have a surface shapecorresponding to the exterior shape of the rods 122, 124 (e.g.,toothed).

Each of the longitudinal rods 122 can have caster-connection areas atwhich casters 140 are removably or fixedly connected. In an exemplaryembodiment, the caster-connection area is a non-illustrated threadedbore into which a threaded screw 142 is threaded. A washer 144, whichcan be made of a hard or malleable material, can have a bore in which isdisposed the screw 142 so that the washer 144 lies between the base ofthe screw 142 and the respective caster-connection area of thelongitudinal rod 122. Like the wings 132, the washers 144 can have anupper surface that conforms to the exterior surface of the rod (e.g.,teeth) and the lower surface can be of any shape that corresponds to theupper-facing surface of the caster frame 146 at the base of the screw142. In the exemplary embodiment of the screw 142 shown, theupper-facing surface is flat. An installed orientation of the casters140 with respective washers 144 is shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3.In alternative or additional embodiments, the casters 140 can beconnected to areas of any of the horizontal rods 124 and/or theT-brackets 126. By connecting the casters 140 at the T-brackets 126, thesecuring features of the casters (e.g., screws 142) can eliminate needfor any of the washers 144 and/or the setscrews 190 to reduce partcount. The casters 140 are spaced apart from one another such that whenfully loaded, the entire system 100 is balanced and weighted to resisttipping or turning over.

There are two rod-holder sub-assemblies that attach to either end of theframe 120. Each rod-holder sub-assembly comprises a horizontal rod 124′that, in a desirable exemplary embodiment, is identical to thehorizontal rod 124. In such a case, manufacturing is easier and partcount is reduced. Each rod-holder sub-assembly also comprises at leastone dual-rod holder 150. The dual-rod holder 150 is modular and,therefore, in a desirable exemplary embodiment, two, three, or moredual-rod holders 150 can be fitted on each rod 124′ of the rod-holdersub-assembly. The system depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows the rod-holdersub-assembly having four of the dual-rod holders 150 spaced apart on therod 124′. Not only does the modularity of the entire dual-rod holder 150allow for minimal part counts, each of the parts for each dual-rodholder 150 is also modular, as is shown in FIG. 5, to further reduceparts count and cost.

The dual-rod holder 150 has a holder body 152 and opposing clamp pieces154, 156, each of which are secured to the holder body 152 by afastening mechanism. For example, the clamp pieces 154, 156 can bepress-fit into the holder body 152, and/or they can be attached theretoby fasteners 158, such as screws or bolts, as in the exemplaryembodiment shown. The holder body 152 has a central rib 1521 connectingopposing hollow rod tubes 1522, each of which have an interiorcylindrical diameter sized to fit any handle of standard fishing rods,which can vary in diameter from 1 to 3 inches. Exemplary inner diametersof the rod tubes 1522 include 1.5″, 1⅝″, 1.75″, 1⅞″, and 2″. Theinterior openings of the hollow rod tubes 1522 define a longitudinaldirection of the dual-rod holder 150. The central rib 1521 has alongitudinal slot 1523 sized and shaped to fit the exteriorcircumference of the rod 124′ therein perpendicular to the exterioropposing outer surfaces of the rib 1521. The longitudinal slot 1523 isoffset from a center of the holder body 152 so that, when installedabout the rod 124′, a center of gravity of the holder body 152 is belowthe rod 124′, thereby allowing the rod-holder assembly to be in aself-righting state at all times, which keeps rod tips pointed upwardand substantially safe from harm when a rod is placed within the rodtube(s) 1522. The rib 1521 also defines top and bottom interior openings1524, 1525 sized to fit rod-clamping portions 1541, 1561 of the clamppieces 154, 156 therein. If desired, the bottom area of the rib 1621adjacent the bottom interior opening 1525 for the lower clamping portion1561, can be weighted to provide a further ability to self-right and/or,the bottoms of the rod tubes 1522 can be weighted, either integrally orseparately, for example, by providing heavy outer rims at the rod tubes1522 adjacent the lower clamping portion 1561, or the lower clampingportion 1561, itself, can be weighted, integrally or separately, or madeof a material that is heavier than the material of the rod tubes 1522 orthe rib 1521.

The upper clamp piece 154 has a body that is to be connected to thecentral rib 1521 at the top surface of the rib 1521 (i.e., the upperside in FIG. 5) through fasteners 158, desirably, in the form of screwsor bolts as shown. The rod-clamping portion 1541 of the upper clamppiece 154 has a central stub that extends away from the body to end in arod-retaining feature 1542 that is shaped to mate with the exteriorsurface of the rod 124′. In the exemplary embodiment of the toothedspindle, the rod-retaining feature 1541 has a circular and toothed shapethat corresponds and mates with an outer circumferential portion of therod 124′. The lower clamp piece 156 has a body that is connected to thecentral rib 1521 at the bottom surface of the rib 1521 (similarlythrough fasteners 158 in the form of screws or bolts). The lower clamppiece 156 has a central stub that extends away from the body to end in arod-retaining feature 1562 that is shaped to mate with the exteriorsurface of the rod 124′. In the exemplary embodiment of the toothedspindle, the rod-retaining feature 1562 has a circular and toothed shapethat corresponds and mates with an outer circumferential portion of therod 124′. In the orientation shown, the upper clamp piece 154 insertsinto the rib 1521 from above and the lower clamp piece 156 inserts intothe rib 1521 from below. The tolerance of the clamp pieces 154, 156 withrespect to one another are set such that, when fully fastened by thefasteners 158 against the top and bottom surfaces of the rib 152, therod-retaining features 1541, 1561 fixedly clamp upon the rod 124′ andprevent the dual-rod holder 150 from sliding on the rod 124′, rotatingabout the rod 124′, or being removed therefrom. When partially fastened,in comparison, loose fitting of the rod-retaining features 1541, 1561allows the dual-rod holder 150 to slide along the rod 124′ and,depending on the amount of fastening, to not rotate about the rod 124′.If rotation-preventing features (e.g., teeth) are not present (which isnot illustrated), then the dual-rod holder 150 can also rotate about therod 124′.

In a desirable exemplary embodiment, the holder body 152 is extrudedfrom aluminum and the ports receiving the fasteners 158 are able to betapped to add an interior thread corresponding to the exterior thread ofthe fasteners 158.

As can be seen clearly in FIG. 2, dual-rod holders 150 can be placedupon the rods 124′ in any number that is desired by a user. Of course,the width of the dual-rod holder 150 limits the maximum number ofdual-rod holders 150 that can be added to each rod-holder sub-assemblybut it is envisioned that at least one and even two, three, four, ormore dual-rod holders 150 will be installed on each rod-holdersub-assembly.

The system 100 is configured to be mobile, as is evident from thecasters 140. The frame sub-assembly is configured to have a low centerof gravity and to be relatively close to the ground in order to preventturnover or tipping. The rods 122, 124 have a ground clearance, forexample, somewhere between 8″ and 18″. Accordingly, it is difficult fora person of average height to push the system 100 without bending overto an uncomfortable position. Accordingly, at least one handle isconnected to the frame sub-assembly and extends away therefrom to givethe user the ability to guide and move the system 100 from a comfortableheight. An exemplary embodiment of such a handle is a handlesub-assembly 160, shown in an exploded view in FIG. 6. Although one ofthe handle sub-assemblies 160 can be attached to the frame sub-assemblyfor control and movement, an exemplary embodiment of four handlesub-assemblies 160 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As will be explained indetail below, because each part of the handle sub-assembly is modular, asingle set of parts can be used for each of the four corners of theframe sub-assembly. More specifically, the handle sub-assembly 160comprises a telescoping handle, a handle rotation lock assembly, and arod-holder lock assembly.

The telescoping handle comprises a grip 162, an inner tube 164, an outertube 166, and a lock pin 168. The grip 162 is fixed onto the distal endof the inner tube 164 and is made, in an exemplary embodiment, of amaterial that is comfortable to grip and resists sliding by the user'shand when being gripped, such as neoprene. The inner and outer tubes164, 166 telescope upon one another to enable a change in size. Here,the inner tube 164 projects from inside the distal end of the outer tube166 and contains the grip 162, however, the tubes 164, 166 can, in analternative embodiment, be reversed. To prevent the two tubes 164, 166from sliding on one another without control, the outer tube 166 isprovided with a set of ports 167 having a diameter sized to permit alock pin 168 to extend therethrough from the inside of the outer tube166. The lock pin 168 in this exemplary embodiment, is a spring-biasedpush-button fixed to the inner tube 164 and able to be pressed into theinterior of the inner tube 164 to form an adjustable lock. With ports onvarious longitudinal positions and circumferential positions, the innertube 164 is able to adjust both longitudinally and rotationally to placethe grip 162 to any position away from the distal end of the outer tube166 and at any angle about the circumference of the outer tube 166. Withports 167 spaced at 90-degree increments about the circumference of theouter tube 166 as in the exemplary embodiment shown, the grip 162 can belocked into four different orientations, each rotated 90 degrees fromone another.

To connect the handle sub-assembly to the frame, a handle rotation lockassembly 170 is provided. The handle rotation lock assembly 170comprises a rotatable handle mount 180, a handle lock knob 172, a handlelock ring 174, a mount fastener 176, at least one handle fastener 177,and a handle lock spring 178. To illustrate how the various parts 172,174, 176, 177, 178 enable rotation of the outer tube 166 about a handlerotation axis 171, reference is made to FIGS. 7 through 10. The handlemount 180 comprises a tube receiver 182, a rotation sleeve 184, and aconnection span 186 connecting the tube receiver 182 to the rotationsleeve 184. The tube receiver 182 defines an orifice in which a proximalend 169 of the outer tube 166 is received and fixed. At least one handlefastener 177 makes the fixed connection between the outer tube 166 andthe tube receiver 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener 177 canbe a set of aluminum pop rivets that pass through both the thickness ofthe tube receiver 182 and the thickness of the outer tube 166.

The handle mount 180 is connected to a frame rod connector 200, which ispart of a rod-holder lock assembly 190 that is described in furtherdetail below, but some parts are described here. The frame rod connector200 has an elbow shape and, on a side that is opposite the rod 124′, acastellated boss 202 protrudes along the rotation axis 171 and issurrounded in part by an arm-travel-limiting wall 204. The outercircumference of the castellated boss 202 substantially corresponds toan inner circumference of a lock orifice 185, which is centrallydisposed within the rotation sleeve 184. Play between the outercircumference of the castellated boss 202 and the inner circumference ofthe lock orifice 185 is determined by the materials forming the framerod connector 200 and the handle mount 180 but, in general, it issufficient to permit substantially free rotation of the rotation sleeve184 about the castellated boss 202. If desired, an amount of frictioncan be included between the parts so that the tubes 164, 166 do not fallvery fast when released. A shape of the castellations 203 on the boss202 is, in an exemplary embodiment, substantially saw-tooth shaped.These castellations 203 are shaped to interact with correspondinglyshaped castellations 175 on an interior surface of the handle lock ring174. In this configuration, when the handle lock ring 174 is pressedagainst the boss 202, the castellations 203, 175 mesh and fit togetherto prevent any movement of the handle lock ring 174 with respect to theframe rod connector 200.

Rotation of the handle lock ring 174 with respect to the rotation sleeve184 is prevented by forming the handle lock ring 174 with at least oneexternal projection 179 that extends into at least one correspondingorifice 187 of the rotation sleeve 184, which is shown best in FIG. 9.In this exemplary embodiment, the handle lock ring 174 has fourprojections 179 and the rotation sleeve 184 has four correspondingrecesses 187. Because the handle lock ring 174 is keyed to the rotationsleeve 184 through the exterior projections 179, prevention of movementof the handle lock ring 174 means that rotational movement of therotation sleeve 184 is likewise prevented. However, as the handle lockring 174 is permitted to move away from the castellations 203 of theboss 202, the fit between the castellations 203, 175 is removed and, ata certain distance therefrom, the castellations 203, 175 no longerprevent rotation of the handle lock ring 174 with respect to the framerod connector 200. Distance between the castellations 203, 175 isgoverned by an extent to which the handle lock knob 172 is pressingagainst the outer surface 173 of the handle lock ring 174, which outersurface 173 is on the side of the handle lock ring 174 opposite thecastellations 175 and is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 6, the handlelock knob 172 has an interior surface that protrudes into a portion ofthe outer surface of the handle lock ring 174 to center the two parts toone another. Each has a bore through which the mount fastener 176passes. Threads of the mount fastener 176 engage corresponding threads206 within a central bore 205 of the boss 202. In this way, unscrewingof the mount fastener 176 (in one direction) allows the handle lock ring174 to move away from the boss 202 and screwing of the mount fastener176 (in the opposite direction) presses the handle lock ring 174 againstthe boss 202 to engage the sets of castellations 203, 175 against oneanother, thereby preventing rotation of the rotation sleeve 184 aboutthe boss 202. To ensure outward movement of the handle lock ring 174away from the boss 202 when the mount fastener 176 and the handle lockknob 172 are unscrewed, the handle lock spring 178 is disposed about aninterior portion of the boss 202 as shown in FIG. 8. The interiorportion can be, in an exemplary embodiment, an annular groove 201 thatis shown in the cross-section of FIG. 14. The handle lock spring 178compresses as the mount fastener 176 and the handle lock knob 172 arescrewed inwards towards the threads 206.

It is noted that the recesses 187, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, do notextend completely through the rotation sleeve 184 and, instead, onlyextend partially therethrough. This design is desirable to make thehandle mount 180 modular and, with the same single part, able to fitboth left and right orientations of handle sub-assemblies as depicted inFIGS. 1 to 3. The orientation of the recesses 187 on opposing sides areshown clearly in FIGS. 11 and 13 and the single handle mount 180 part isshown in both left and right orientations in the exploded view of FIG.2.

As indicated above, the rod-holder lock assembly 190 comprises the framerod connector 200. Attached to the frame rod connector 200 is a sliderlock lever 220, a slider lock blade 230, a spring pin 240, and a leverlock spring 250. The frame rod connector 200 has an elbow shape todefine two axes, a longitudinal rod axis 208 and a horizontal rod axis210. In the exemplary configuration, the longitudinal rod axis 208aligns with the central longitudinal axis of the longitudinal rod 122and the horizontal rod axis 210 aligns with the central longitudinalaxis of the horizontal rod 124′. In this configuration, a longitudinalbore 212 of the frame rod connector 200 is sized to fit snugly thereinone end of the longitudinal rod 122 and a horizontal bore 214 of theframe rod connector 200 is sized to fit snugly therein one end of thehorizontal rod 124′. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 21, the longitudinalbore 212 and the horizontal bore 214 have different interior surfaces.In particular, the horizontal bore 214 has a smooth interior surface. Incomparison, the longitudinal bore 212 has a non-smooth or variegatedinterior surface. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal bore 212has a surface with an interior shape corresponding to the exterior shapeof the longitudinal rod 122, e.g., it has a shape corresponding to thetoothed spindle shape of the longitudinal rod 122 of FIGS. 1 to 4. Byplacing the longitudinal bore 212 and the horizontal bore 214 at a rightangle (i.e., 90 degrees to one another), the frame rod connector 200becomes a corner bracket of the frame 120. With suitable fasteners(e.g., set screws), the longitudinal rod 122 can be fixed inside thelongitudinal bore 212. Alternatively, the ends of the longitudinal rod122 can be shaped to press fit within the longitudinal bore 212. Otherknown measures for connecting the longitudinal rod 122 within thelongitudinal bore 212 are equally possible.

As set forth above, it is desirable to allow the rod-holdersub-assembly, comprising the horizontal rod 124′ and one or moredual-rod holders 150, to rotate about its axis (e.g., axis 210). If theinterior surface of the horizontal bore 214 had the toothed shape of thelongitudinal bore 212, then rotation would not be possible. Accordingly,the inside surface of the horizontal bore 214 is smooth, therebypermitting the toothed spindle shape of the horizontal rod 124′ tofreely rotate within the horizontal bore 214. Placing the frame rodconnector 200 on each corner of the frame 120, completes the rectangleand forms a strong connection for the frame 120 while still permittingthe rod-holder sub-assembly to freely rotate about the horizontal axis214. However, it is desirable to control the free rotation of therod-holder sub-assembly about the horizontal axis 214. This control isprovided by the rotation control device of the rod-holder lock assembly190, which comprises parts of the frame rod connector 200 as well as theslider lock lever 220, the slider lock blade 230, the spring pin 240,and the lever lock spring 250.

To attach the rotation control parts of the rod-holder lock assembly 190to the frame rod connector 200, in an exemplary embodiment, the framerod connector 200 has a lock slider rail 216 having a T-shape incross-section. The lock slider rail 216 has a hollow interior in whichis disposed a longitudinal extent 232 of the slider lock blade 230. Theslider lock blade 230 has a connector arm 234 extending at an angle tothe longitudinal extent 232, e.g., at ninety degrees. The connector arm234 extends from inside the interior of the lock slider rail 216 out tothe exterior of the lock slider rail 216 through a slot 217, whichextends parallel to a direction of movement of the slider lock blade230. Accordingly, control of the slider lock blade 230 within the lockslider rail 216 occurs at a connection located at an exterior distal endof the connector arm 234. This connection is formed, in the exemplaryembodiment, by a bore in the connector arm 234 that is pierced throughby the spring pin 240. The slider lock lever 220 is connected pivotallyto the spring pin 240 so that it can move from a down position, shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 to a raised position, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. As such,the slider lock lever 220 is able to rock about the spring pin 240 to agiven extent. This given extent is large enough to move a locking boss222 from a raised position, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, to a loweredposition, shown in FIG. 17 (which is a cross-sectional view through thelocking boss 222). The locking boss 222 is moved between these twopositions in order to move around a corresponding cam surface 218, whichprevents the slider lock lever 220 from moving longitudinally along thelock slider rail 216 when the locking boss 222 is in the raisedposition, e.g., the position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. In an unlockedposition of the slider lock blade 230, the distal end 233 of the slidelock blade 230 rests within the interior of the lock slider rail 216.This unlocked position is visible in FIG. 14 and shown in FIG. 21. In alocked position of the slider lock blade 230, the distal end 233 of theslider lock blade 230 moves through a lock window 219 at the inside endof the interior of the lock slider rail 216 and into the interior of thehorizontal bore 214. This locked position is visible in FIGS. 15 and 18and a partially locked position is visible in FIGS. 16 and 17. When inthe locked position, the distal end 233 of the slider lock blade 230rests between two adjacent teeth of the toothed outer surface of the rod124′ (which are not shown). In such a configuration, the distal end 233prevents any rotation of the rod 124′ within the horizontal bore 214,thereby locking the entire rod-holder sub-assembly from movement aboutthe horizontal axis 214.

The slider lock lever 220 has a second boss 224, shown in FIGS. 14 to 17and 21. The second boss 224 is on a side of the rail portion of the lockslider rail 216 that is opposite the locking boss 222. In this way, thetwo bosses 222, 224 form two limit surfaces for rocking the slider locklever 220 about the pivot of the spring pin 240. It is desirable to biasthe slide lock blade 230 in either the locked or unlocked position. Inthe exemplary embodiment shown, the slide lock blade 230 is biased inthe locked position. In particular, a lever lock spring 250 is disposedbetween a first surface of the interior of the lock slider rail 216 thatis opposite the lock window 219 (e.g., to the left in FIG. 14) and asecond, outer surface 227 of a spring arm 226, which arm 226 projectsinto the interior of the lock slider rail 216 in a direction towards theaxis 208 of the longitudinal bore 212. The spring arm 226 is long enoughto keep in direct contact with an interior end of the lever lock spring250 (e.g., the right side of the spring 250 in FIG. 14), whether theslider lock lever 220 is in a raised orientation (shown in FIG. 16) or alowered orientation (shown in FIGS. 14 and 15).

This exemplary configuration of the rotation control parts of therod-holder lock assembly 190 permits the user to operate the two sliderlock levers 220 independently but also with one hand. When the userwants to allow the rod-holder sub-assembly to rotate within thehorizontal bores 214 of opposing frame rod connectors, the user pivotsthe slider lock lever 220 to move the locking boss 222 away from therail portion of the lock slider rail 216 (that shown in FIG. 16), slidesthe slider lock lever 220 away from the horizontal bore 214, and thenpivots the slider lock lever 220 to move the locking boss 222 towardsand against the rail portion of the lock slider rail 216. This positionis shown in FIGS. 14 and 21 and is referred to as an unlocked-and-loadedposition. The reason why it is called this is because the rod 124′ ofthe rod-holder sub-assembly is unlocked to freely rotate within thehorizontal bore(s) 214 but the slider lock lever 220 is loaded to springback to its locked position merely by having the user toggle the sliderlock lever 220 to move the locking boss 222 just far enough out of theway of the cam surface 218 to permit the lever lock spring 250 to springshut the slide lock blade 230 through the lock window 219 and into aspace between the teeth of the rod 124′. When that loaded state isactivated, the slider lock lever 220 springs into the locked position,which is shown in FIGS. 15, 18, and 19. FIGS. 16 and 17 show the sliderlock lever 220 in an intermediate position between the locked andunlocked-and-loaded positions.

As mentioned above, the rod-holder sub-assembly rotates freely withinthe horizontal bores 214 of opposing frame rod connectors when the slidelock blade 230 is moved out of the horizontal bore 214. Completely freerotational movement of the rod 124′, however, is not desirable becauseit is possible for the rod 124′ to rotate too fast and allow the fishingrods contained within the hollow rod tubes 1522 to sway wildly and,possibly, contact the environment and break or be damaged. To slow suchrotational movement, and to center the rod 124′ within the two opposinghorizontal bores 214, a wavespring 260, shown in FIG. 1, is disposedbetween a respective distal end of the rod 124′ and the bottom of eachhorizontal bore 214. Each wavespring 260, therefore, acts as a frictionbearing and a centering mechanism (like a thrust washer).

At the end of the horizontal bore 214 at a center location is acounter-bore 215 that is formed to fit a separate part that comprisesthe threads 206. For example, the threads 206 can be a standard interiorthreaded stainless steel insert having an exterior that can be press fitinto the bore 215 and the frame rod connector 200 is made of a materialthat is different from the stainless steel insert, for example, aplastic such as ABS, PTFE, PET, etc.

FIGS. 22 through 26 show another exemplary embodiment of a mobilefishing rod transportation and storage system 300. This system 300 ismade from standard aluminum extrusions. The longitudinal and horizontalrods 322, 324 are hollow square extrusions and the horizontal rods 324′are standard X-type extrusions that permit the dual-rod holders 350 toslide thereon and be attached thereto in any desired number. FIGS. 23and 24 illustrate how the system 300 (and the systems 100, 400) can bestored on its longitudinal sides or on its end. FIGS. 25 and 26 showthat the width of the system 300 (and systems 100, 400) is sized to fitthrough a standard door frame. FIG. 27 shows the system 300 with thedual-rod holders 350 angled to cross the rod tips. FIG. 28 shows thesystem 300 with the dual-rod holders 350 oriented to point the rod tipsstraight upwards. Finally, FIG. 29 shows the system 300 with thedual-rod holders 350 angled to align the rod tips parallel to oneanother in one longitudinal direction. In this orientation, the rods arelowered until the tips are all below the height of an average door. Thisallows transportation into any elevator, garage, home, or hotel entrydoor without the need to remove any rod.

As can be seen in FIGS. 22 through 29, the center area of the system 300between the rods is shaped to carry coolers, tackle boxes, or othersupplies.

FIG. 30 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a mobile fishing rodtransportation and storage system 400. This system 400 is made fromstandard PVC piping.

At one side of the frame of any of the systems 100, 300, 400 describedherein, a stub can be added that is shaped to fit within the orifice ofa standard trailer hitch. In such a configuration, the system 300 to bemounted to the rear of a vehicle using an existing trailer hitch and asecuring cross-pin, typically fixed therein with a cotter pin.

An alternative embodiment of the modular dual-rod holder 150 is shown,in an exemplary embodiment, in the dual-rod holder 150′ of FIGS. 31 to38. Instead of a center portion 152 and upper and lower connectors 154,156, this dual-rod holder 150′ has only two parts, a lower body half 152and an upper body half 154. As above, two, three, or more dual-rodholders 150′ can be fitted on each rod 124′ of the rod-holdersub-assembly. Each of the parts for the dual-rod holder 150′ is modularto reduce parts count and cost.

The upper and lower body halves 152′, 154′ form opposing clamp pieces tobe secured around the rod 124′. The upper and lower body halves 152′,154′ are secured to the rod 124′ by a fastening mechanism shown, forexample, in FIGS. 34 and 36. In this example, the fastening mechanismincludes a U-bracket, a plate, and fasteners such as nuts.

The body halves 152′, 154′, when fastened together, have a center ofgravity that is below the rod 124′ to permit the dual-rod holder 150′ tobe in a self-righting state at all times, which keeps rod tips pointedupward and substantially safe from harm when a rod is placed within therod tube(s). If desired, the bottom area of the lower body half 152′ canbe weighted to provide a further ability to self-right and/or, thebottoms of the rod tubes can be weighted, either integrally orseparately, for example, by providing heavy outer rims at the rod tubesor the lower body half 152′ itself can be weighted, integrally orseparately, or made of a material that is heavier than the material ofthe upper body half 152′.

In a desirable exemplary embodiment, the body halves 152′, 154′ are madefrom injected-molded plastic. Like parts and/or functions of thedual-rod holder 150′ to the dual-rod holder 150 are not repeated herebut are equally applicable to one another and vice versa. Where thedual-rod holder 150 is shown in any configuration here, the dual-rodholder 150 can be replaced by the dual-rod holder 150′ or the dual-rodholder 150′ can be added to use of the dual-rod holder 150. Accordingly,all of the possible configurations for the dual-rod holders 150, 150′are not repeated here or in the figures.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processesand systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein.The particular choice for description herein with regard to a singleexemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that theparticular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it isdescribed. All features described herein are equally applicable to,additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplaryembodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping orarrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein toillustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean thatthe feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature inanother drawing figure or description. Further, where two or morereference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, thisshould not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments orfeatures, they are equally applicable to similar features or not areference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate theprinciples, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses,and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particularembodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodimentsdiscussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and theabove-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variationsto those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods asdefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile fishing rod transportation and storagesystem, comprising: at least two longitudinal rods; at least twohorizontal rods; four corner sub-assemblies connecting the at least twolongitudinal rods to the at least two horizontal rods to form a frame,the at least two longitudinal rods being longitudinally and rotationallyfixed and the at least two horizontal rods being horizontally fixed androtationally free, at least one of the four corner sub-assemblies is ahandle sub-assembly comprising a corner bracket connected to one of theat least two longitudinal rods and one of the at least two horizontalrods; at least one rod holder rotationally fixed to one of the at leasttwo horizontal rods between the at least two longitudinal rods torotationally pivot with the one horizontal rod; and a set of wheelsconnected to the frame to permit the frame to roll upon a surface of theenvironment.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at leasttwo horizontal rods comprise two end horizontal rods and one centralhorizontal rod, the central horizontal rod having a given exteriorshape, and which further comprises two T-brackets each connectedrespectively to one of the at least two longitudinal rods and eachhaving a hollow internal leg connected to an end of the centralhorizontal rod to longitudinally fix the central horizontal rod to theat least two longitudinal rods, the internal leg having an interiorshape corresponding to the given exterior shape to rotationally fix theone central horizontal rod when inserted therein.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least two horizontal rods comprisetwo end horizontal rods and two central horizontal rods, the two centralhorizontal rods having a given exterior shape, and which furthercomprises: four T-brackets each connected respectively to one of the atleast two longitudinal rods and each having a hollow internal legconnected to an end of one of the central horizontal rods tolongitudinally fix the respective central horizontal rod to the at leasttwo longitudinal rods, the internal leg having an interior shapecorresponding to the given exterior shape to rotationally fix arespective one of the central horizontal rods when inserted therein, thetwo central horizontal rods and the at least two longitudinal rodsdefining therebetween a central opening; and a storage bin shaped to fitin the central opening and be carried by the frame.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the at least two longitudinal rodscomprise a left longitudinal rod and a right longitudinal rod; the atleast two horizontal rods comprise: a first horizontal rod having: afirst left end pivotally connected to the left longitudinal rod; and afirst right end pivotally connected to the right longitudinal rod; and asecond horizontal rod having: a second left end pivotally connected tothe left longitudinal rod; and a second right end pivotally connected tothe right longitudinal rod.
 5. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe handle sub-assembly comprises a handle that is pivotally connectedto the corner bracket to raise and lower the handle about a pivot axiswith respect to the frame.
 6. The system according to claim 5, whereinthe handle sub-assembly comprises: a handle configured to telescope toelongate from a shortened state to a lengthened state; a handle rotationlock assembly having a lock that selectively locks and unlocks rotationof the handle about the pivot axis; and a rod-holder lock assemblyhaving a lock that selectively locks and unlocks rotation of the onehorizontal rod with respect to the corner bracket.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the at least two longitudinal rods has anouter surface with a given shape; the at least two horizontal rods hasan outer surface with the given shape; and the corner bracket comprises:a first recess having an interior shape corresponding to the given shapeto longitudinally and rotationally fix one end of one longitudinal rodtherein; and a second recess having a smooth interior longitudinallyfixing and rotationally freely connecting one end of one horizontal rodtherein.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the given shape isa toothed spindle.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the atleast two longitudinal rods and the at least two horizontal rods have across-section with a given outer shape.
 10. The system according toclaim 9, wherein the given outer shape is one of a circle, a gear, anoval, an ellipse, a stadium, a quatrefoil, a trefoil, a cinquefoil, anephroid, a kidney, and an egg.
 11. The system according to claim 9,wherein the given outer shape is one of a polygon, a triangle, a square,a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, and a decagon.12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rod holderis at least one dual-rod holder.
 13. The system according to claim 1,wherein the at least one rod holder is at least one dual-rod holder oneach of the two horizontal rods between the at least two longitudinalrods to rotationally pivot with a respective one of the at least twohorizontal rods.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one rod holder is a set of dual-rod holders on one of the at leasttwo horizontal rods between the at least two longitudinal rods, the setof dual-rod holders rotationally pivoting together the one horizontalrod.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the set of dual-rodholders is a set of four dual-rod holders.
 16. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one rod holder is a set of dual-rodholders on each of the at least two horizontal rods between the at leasttwo longitudinal rods, each set of dual-rod holders rotationallypivoting together on a respective one of the at least two horizontalrods.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the set of dual-rodholders is a set of four dual-rod holders.
 18. The system according toclaim 1, wherein: the at least two longitudinal rods are twolongitudinal rods; and the set of wheels is a set of four casters, twoof the casters being connected to a first of the two longitudinal rods,and two of the casters being connected to a second of the twolongitudinal rods.
 19. A mobile fishing rod transportation and storagesystem, comprising: at least two longitudinal rods; two end horizontalrods; one central horizontal rod having a given exterior shape; fourcorner sub-assemblies connecting the at least two longitudinal rods tothe two end horizontal rods to form a frame, the at least twolongitudinal rods being longitudinally and rotationally fixed and thetwo end horizontal rods being horizontally fixed and rotationally free;at least one rod holder rotationally fixed to one of the two endhorizontal rods between the at least two longitudinal rods torotationally pivot with the one end horizontal rod; a set of wheelsconnected to the frame to permit the frame to roll upon a surface of theenvironment; and two T-brackets each connected respectively to one ofthe at least two longitudinal rods and each having a hollow internal legconnected to an end of the central horizontal rod to longitudinally fixthe central horizontal rod to the respective one of the at least twolongitudinal rods, the internal leg having an interior shapecorresponding to the given exterior shape to rotationally fix thecentral horizontal rod when inserted therein.
 20. A mobile fishing rodtransportation and storage system, comprising: at least two longitudinalrods; two end horizontal rods; two central horizontal rods having agiven exterior shape; four corner sub-assemblies connecting the at leasttwo longitudinal rods to the two end horizontal rods to form a frame,the at least two longitudinal rods being longitudinally and rotationallyfixed and the two end horizontal rods being horizontally fixed androtationally free; at least one rod holder rotationally fixed to one ofthe two end horizontal rods between the at least two longitudinal rodsto rotationally pivot with the one end horizontal rod; a set of wheelsconnected to the frame to permit the frame to roll upon a surface of theenvironment; and four T-brackets each connected respectively to one ofthe at least two longitudinal rods and each having a hollow internal legconnected to an end of one of the two central horizontal rods tolongitudinally fix the respective central horizontal rod to one of theat least two longitudinal rods, the internal leg having an interiorshape corresponding to the given exterior shape to rotationally fix arespective one of the two central horizontal rods when inserted therein,the two central horizontal rods and the at least two longitudinal rodsdefining therebetween a central opening.